In a series of coordinated and brutal attacks in Pakistan's Balochistan province, over 60 people have been killed, making this one of the deadliest assaults in the region's recent history. The violence, which took place across several locations, was carried out by gunmen affiliated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an insurgent group that has long been involved in the conflict in the province.
The attacks began on Sunday night when gunmen targeted an inter-provincial highway in the Rarasham district of Musakhel. They forcibly stopped buses and removed passengers, conducting identity checks before executing 23 individuals. According to Assistant Commissioner Musakhail Najeeb Kakar, this gruesome act was part of a coordinated effort to inflict terror and chaos. In addition to the passengers, the gunmen also targeted drivers of trucks carrying coal, killing them and setting at least 10 trucks on fire. Deputy Commissioner Hameed Zahir reported that the trucks were burned after their drivers were killed, adding to the overall destruction and mayhem caused by the attackers.
The violence did not stop at the highway. The attackers also targeted critical infrastructure, including a railway line connecting Pakistan and Iran and a key bridge linking Quetta, Balochistan's provincial capital, to the rest of Pakistan. Explosives were used to damage these crucial transport links, causing significant disruption. Muhammad Kashif, a railway official, confirmed that the attacks had severely impacted the railway line and bridge, further complicating the already dire situation.
In addition to targeting infrastructure, the gunmen launched attacks on police and security stations across the province. One such attack resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, highlighting the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the violence. The BLA has claimed responsibility for these attacks, including a reported assault on a paramilitary base, although Pakistani authorities have not yet verified this claim.
The response from the Pakistani government has been swift and severe. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that security forces had managed to kill 12 militants involved in the attacks. The government has vowed to take strong action against those responsible for the violence. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims' families, emphasizing the need for justice and security. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the "brutality of terrorists" and assured that those behind the attacks would face an "exemplary end."
Azma Bukhari, a spokesperson for the Punjab government, also voiced strong condemnation and frustration over the violence. She highlighted the need for a coordinated response to address the security challenges posed by such insurgent activities.
The recent attacks follow a disturbing pattern of violence in Balochistan. In April, a similar incident occurred when nine passengers were forcibly removed from a bus near Noshki city and killed after their identities were verified. This earlier attack mirrored the tactics used in the latest violence, underscoring a troubling trend of targeted killings and insurgent activities in the region.
The situation in Balochistan remains tense, with ongoing security operations and investigations aimed at bringing those responsible to justice. The provincial and federal governments face a significant challenge in addressing the immediate aftermath of the attacks and implementing measures to prevent further violence. The international community is closely watching the developments, as the stability of Balochistan is crucial to the broader security and political landscape of Pakistan.
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